The commonly used practice of taking big breaths is based on the misconception that taking in more air will increase the oxygen levels of the blood. However, since arterial blood is already almost fully saturated with oxygen (between 95 percent and 99 percent) during normal, healthy breathing, “big” breathing is rendered totally unnecessary. Authentic teachers are not adding anything new. Instead, they are helping to counteract the negative effects imposed on breathing by processed foods, stress, excessive talking, stuffy air, and the false belief of the benefits of taking big breaths.
